Tune into the Festive Spirit at Vicar Water Country Park

Visitors can find Musicworks’ talented musicians outside the Rumbles Café at Vicar Water and will have the opportunity to select a Christmas song and a musician to play it. After a brief introduction to the instrument, the rest of the musicians will join in, creating a festive ensemble while visitors enjoy complimentary hot chocolates. Musicians include Heather Gordon-Redfearn on woodwind; harpist, Emily Trease; cellist, Graham Darby; guitarist, Sam Hutchinson and vocalist Kate Williams.

From 12pm onwards, everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy the timeless tradition of Christmas carolling, accompanied by Musicworks’ very own musicians. The park will resonate with the sound of festive favourites, and everyone is welcome to join in and sing along. This event is open to individuals of all ages and abilities, making it an ideal outing for families, friends, and music enthusiasts alike.

John Osborne, Chair of Musicworks, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying: "We are delighted to bring the joy of music to Vicar Water Country Park again. Our previous event, Musicwalks, was a great success with over 200 visitors, and we look forward to creating more magical moments at Sing with Santa. It’s a wonderful way for the community to come together, sing along, and celebrate the holidays in a special way. We can't wait to see everyone there and share the festive spirit!"

This musical reception is part of a collaboration with Rumbles Café's ‘Breakfast with Santa’, a separate element of the morning that adds an extra layer of festive excitement. Whilst ‘Breakfast with Santa’ requires booking and payment, ‘Sing with Santa’ is a live music event that will be occurring alongside and is free of charge.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, expressed her support for the event: "Events like these are what make our community so special. Open Doors has been instrumental in fostering creativity among our residents, and ‘Sing with Santa’ is just one of many examples of their dedication. It will be heartwarming to see families and individuals of all ages unite in celebration of the season, embracing both nature and music at one of our beautiful parks.”

This event is part of Open Doors, a three-year programme of events organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council and funded by Arts Council England. It aims to increase creative opportunities for young people and under-served groups, and to become a focal point for culture across Newark and Sherwood.

Join Musicworks and Open Doors at Vicar Water Country Park to ‘Sing with Santa’ and celebrate the holiday season in a unique and memorable way from 10am to 12.30pm Saturday 7 December 2024.

To find out more about Open Doors' upcoming events, visit: https://www.palacenewark.com/opendoors/upcoming-events/